Locations

Kate Edger Information Commons

The Kate Edger Information Commons provides space, technology and expertise to support the scholarly use of information resources and acts as a focal point for the development of innovative learning support services.

ProjectKate Edger Information Commons

ClientUniversity of Auckland

LocationAuckland

Completion2003

Category
Education + Research

<p>
The Kate Edger Information Commons provides space, technology and expertise to support the scholarly use of information resources and acts as a focal point for the development of innovative learning support services.</p>

The brief for the Kate Edger Information Commons was to provide a vibrant centre for student life and study while enhancing the University's innovation reputation.

Positioned at the heart of the campus, the building combines an information commons facility with a large format bookshop, coffee shops, banking, student health, and associated retail shops. Located on Symonds Street, the facility is also at the centre of both public vehicle and student pedestrian movements. The design brief therefore called for a facility that would act as an effective conductor of student movements while at the same time making a confident statement about university life in Auckland.

From the exterior, the building is very open to view, but the interior is very calm. This combination allows student life to engage with the public, while also providing an effective study environment. The public-facing east façade of the building is fully glazed and draped in stainless steel mesh screens. This technique allows good levels of ambient light and yet keeps out glare and unwanted solar gains.

Since its completion, the building has been very successful, both technically – with low energy costs, durability and flexibility – and socially.